NZ to provide technical assistance for development on St. Lucia, Caribbean

St. Lucia has signed a contract with New Zealand that it says will help define the prospects for advancing geothermal development on the island.

Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology Minister Dr. James Fletcher signed a Geothermal Support Partnership Framework Agreement with New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murray McCully, on the sidelines of the Third International Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Conference now underway here.

“The Partnership Agreement is designed to provide key technical assistance to support geothermal exploration, and help define the prospects for advancing geothermal development in St. Lucia.

“The Agreement is also designed to support training opportunities in geothermal energy through New Zealand Development Scholarships, and facilitate where possible, practical skills development opportunities,” according to an official statement.

It said the agreement represents the culmination of a series of discussions between the two countries “on the advancement of geothermal development, which is a critical component of the government’s plans to transition St. Lucia away from its dependence on expensive diesel fuel for the generation of electricity”.